At the Pope's General Audience many pilgrims hoped to see Pope Francis to ask him for help in overcoming their problems. Like this couple, to whom he gave a special blessing.
During his catechesis the Pope identified three common obstacles to prayer: distraction, spiritual dryness and fatigue.
POPE FRANCIS
“Distraction is when one's imagination goes round and round. St. Teresa used to say that this imagination that runs wild in prayer is 'the madman of the house.' It's like a madman that makes you dizzy.... We have to stop (this distraction) and contain it through concentration.”
Spiritual dryness comes when it is hard to produce spiritual thoughts, memories and feelings. The Pope said that we must be careful so that this dryness does not spread to the heart.
POPE FRANCIS
“You can't pray and you can't feel consolation with a gray heart. One cannot face spiritual dryness with a gray heart. The heart must be open, luminous, so that the light of the Lord may enter. And if it does not enter, wait for it with hope, but do not lock it up in grayness.”
The Pope then discussed spiritual fatigue, which he said can be overcome with perseverance.
POPE FRANCIS
“True progress in the spiritual life does not consist in multiplying moments of bliss, but in being able to persevere in difficult moments. Walk, walk, walk, and if you get tired, stop for a while and then walk again, but with perseverance.”
Before leaving the Pope greeted many of the pilgrims in attendance.
This child gave him a letter since he will receive his first communion at the end of the week.
Others brought him gifts...
And this one even gave him a blessing.
JMB
TR: JM
